Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

Speech 090902 FWA

 

Presentation of Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Commemorative Medallions

2 September 2009, Bomana Cemetery, Port Moresby, PNG

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr Chris Moraitis

 

Australia will forever be grateful for the care and assistance extended by Papua New Guinea civilians to our troops serving along the Kokoda Track, and elsewhere in Papua and New Guinea during World War 2.

As the years have passed, Australians have become increasingly interested in the events of the Second World War. “Battle for Australia Day” is one example of this.

Now, as numbers of Second World War veterans are declining, Australians are clamouring to learn more about the War and hear their stories first-hand while we still can.

One of the enduring stories which has captured the hearts and minds of many Australians is that of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

These brave Papua New Guinean men and women risked their lives and that of their families to help sick and wounded Australian soldiers negotiate a path to safety through treacherous conditions and enemy fighting.

Many an Australian owes their life to these people, who showed great strength, ingenuity and compassion in a time of turmoil and uncertainty.

In recognition of this assistance, the Australian Government, with agreement from the PNG Government, has issued a commemorative medallion to surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and the widows and widowers of deceased Angels.

The Medallion is based on an image which has become famous in Australia, epitomising the care the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels gave to our injured diggers.

In this photo, taken on Christmas Day, 1942, in the Buna area, Australian Private George ‘Dick’ Whittington is being helped by Angel Raphael Oimbari.

The photo emphasises the support provided to Australian troops; not just on the Kokoda Track, but throughout the then Papua and New Guinea.

It is also an image known to many people of Papua New Guinea, having been immortalised in bronze on the memorial commemorating the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels in Port Moresby.

The first Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Commemorative Medallion was presented here, at Bomana War Cemetary, by Australia’s Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, The Honourable Alan Griffin MP, on 23 July, PNG Remembrance Day.

And I am honoured to be able to present Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Commemorative medallions to three additional recipients today, on Battle for Australia Day.

If the recipients would please step forward:

It is now my pleasure to present a Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Commemorative Medallion to Mr Nepe Kumanyal.

Mr Kumanyal worked as a stretcher bearer and carrier at Kokoda and elsewhere. Tenkyu tru Mr Kumanyal.

Today’s second Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Commemorative Medallion recipient is Mr Naime Raga.

Mr Raga worked as a cook, a carrier and a stretcher bearer on the Kokoda Track. Tenkyu tru Mr Raga.

And finally, today’s third Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Commemorative Medallion recipient is Mrs Anna Boino, who is accepting the Medallion on behalf of her late husband, John, who also worked as a carrier around Popondetta. Tenkyu tru Mrs Boino.

Because of the bravery and compassion of Papua New Guineans like Nepe Kumanyal, Naime Raga and Anna’s husband John Boino, Australian diggers lived to tell their tales to their children and grandchildren.

Once again, on behalf of the Australian Government, and the Australian people, thank you Nepe Kumanyal, Naime Raga and Anna Boino.

I am privileged to present each of you with this medallion, and hope you will accept it with pride and an understanding of how deeply the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels have touched the hearts of Australians.